🇪🇬EgyptNorth Africa
Egypt to add 500 MW from Obelisk solar project to national grid within weeks
via Egypt Today1 min read
Egypt is set to connect the second phase of the Obelisk solar power project in Nagaa Hammadi to its national electricity grid in the coming weeks, adding 500 megawatts of renewable energy capacity. This initiative aims to expand clean energy generation and bolster power supplies for the summer. The announcement followed a meeting between Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mahmoud Esmat and executives from the Norwegian renewable energy company Scatec. The first 500-megawatt phase of the Obelisk project, along with its 200-megawatt-hour battery storage facility, was connected earlier this year. Scatec is developing a portfolio of renewable energy projects in Egypt, totaling 3,100 megawatts, including solar and wind power plants, and 4,000 megawatt-hours of battery storage across the Red Sea, Qena, Minya, and Alexandria governorates. Progress was also reviewed for a 900-megawatt wind project in Ras Shukeir, expected to connect in 2027, and a 1,700-megawatt solar power project in Minya. Officials discussed plans for additional energy storage facilities in Minya, Alexandria, and Qena to enhance grid flexibility and increase reliance on renewables. The implementation status of Scatec’s battery manufacturing plant, with an estimated investment of $1.8 billion and expected completion next year, was also covered. Minister Esmat highlighted the importance of accelerating project execution to reduce dependence on conventional fuels, improve energy security, and support econom
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Egypt Today.
Egypt's Sinai offshore oil fields have reached their highest daily production rate in eight years, with output now at approximately 27,000 barrels of crude oil per day. This increase, reported by the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, represents a more than 50 percent rise since early 2025 in the concession area operated by Italian energy major Eni in partnership with the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation. A development program launched by Eni across the Gulf of Suez, Sinai, and Nile Delta regions has contributed to this growth, adding over 10,000 barrels per day above previous levels and a cumulative output of more than 2.8 million barrels since January 2025. The gains are attributed to an intensive production enhancement program, including advanced technologies, operational efficiency upgrades, reduced downtime, and renewed drilling activities in 2026. Specific wells, BM-133 and 113-M-131, delivered over 3,200 barrels of oil per day with minimal associated water production. Officials state these results highlight successful efforts to boost output from mature fields through cooperation between EGPC, Eni’s subsidiary IEOC, and Petrobel, supporting Egypt’s energy security and reducing import reliance.
Christian Berger, Director of the European External Action Service Crisis Response Centre, and Major General Tamer Abdelrahman, Assistant Secretary-General of the Egyptian Cabinet and Head of the National Committee for Crisis Management and Disaster Risk Reduction, signed an Administrative Arrangement. This agreement aims to strengthen cooperation and information exchange on crisis management and disaster risk reduction. The signing was followed by discussions on shared challenges and priorities. Berger outlined the role of the EEAS Crisis Response Centre in supporting the EU's High Representative/Vice-President and the EEAS in responding to crises outside the European Union, emphasizing cooperation with international partners. Abdelrahman welcomed the agreement, highlighting the role of the National Committee for Crisis Management and Disaster Risk Reduction as a coordination mechanism for various crises, including natural disasters, accidents, security incidents, health emergencies, and consular crises abroad. He noted the committee's support for crisis management across Egypt's 27 governorates and its specialized subcommittees monitoring regional developments and outbreaks. Both sides exchanged views on Ebola monitoring mechanisms and crisis preparedness. Egyptian officials view this arrangement as a step toward strengthening EU-Egypt cooperation, building on the Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership signed in 2024 and preceding the 11th meeting of the EU-Egypt Associati
Must ReadEgyptian Minister of Health and Population Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar stated that Egypt is experiencing a medical brain drain, but the government is implementing financial incentives to address shortages in healthcare personnel. He noted that approximately 13,000 doctors graduate annually, a number that could increase to 22,000 with the expansion of private universities. Data from the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics CAPMAS for 2024 showed a 1.7 percent decline in doctors in government hospitals compared to 2023, while the number of dentists, private hospital doctors and dentists, and nursing staff increased. Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly previously commented that the migration of medical professionals is not necessarily a loss, as they contribute to the economy through remittances, and emphasized ensuring sufficient medical staff for local needs. The Egyptian Medical Syndicate attributes the exodus to low salaries, poor working conditions, assaults on healthcare workers, inadequate insurance, and lack of recognition. For instance, a medical intern in Egypt earns up to LE 2,800 monthly, while a resident physician earns around LE 7,000. In contrast, a resident physician in Saudi Arabia can earn up to 8,050 Saudi riyals approximately LE 66,000 with a Bachelor's degree, or up to 13,120 Saudi riyals approximately LE 107,000 with a diploma. A deputy physician specialist with a master's degree can earn up to 16,835 Saudi riyals approximately LE 137,000, and wit